Baby broccoli with parmesan and pine nuts

Discover a delightful side dish with this Baby Broccoli recipe featuring zesty lemon, savory grated Parmesan, and crunchy pine nuts. Perfectly roasted with a touch of olive oil, this quick and easy recipe offers a flavorful blend that's sure to satisfy.

30 Nov 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

16 oz broccoli
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp pine nuts
Baby broccoli with parmesan and pine nuts

Discover a delicious and nutritious side dish with our Baby Broccoli with Lemon, Parmesan, and Pine Nuts recipe. Perfectly balancing the earthy flavors of broccoli with the brightness of lemon, the richness of parmesan, and the crunch of pine nuts, this dish is sure to elevate any meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the baby broccoli under cold water and trim any tough ends.
- Juice the lemon to get 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.
2. Toast the Pine Nuts:
- Place a small frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the pine nuts to the dry pan.
- Toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, around 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool.
3. Cook the Baby Broccoli:
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Add the baby broccoli to the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until just tender.
- Drain the broccoli and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain the vibrant green color.
- Drain the broccoli again and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Sauté the Broccoli:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the drained baby broccoli to the skillet.
- Sauté the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown slightly.
5. Add the Lemon and Pine Nuts:
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the broccoli in the skillet.
- Add the toasted pine nuts.
- Toss everything together to combine and allow the flavors to meld for about 1 minute.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli.
- Toss gently to combine and allow the cheese to melt slightly.
7. Serve:
- Transfer the baby broccoli to a serving dish.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or light main course.

Tips:

- Blanch the broccoli lightly to maintain its vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.

- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden to enhance their flavor.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference for acidity.

- For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic.

With its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients, Baby Broccoli with Lemon, Parmesan, and Pine Nuts is an easy-to-make side dish that complements a wide range of main courses. Try it out at your next dinner and enjoy how quickly it becomes a family favorite.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 120kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 9g
Fiber 3.01g
Sugar 1.92g
Fat 11g

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